Habitez-vous dans une région où le temps est pluvieux et persistant ? Si oui, vous devriez peut-être connaître l'impact des précipitations sur votre pratique du vélo.
Although rain may be troublesome for some people, it doesn’t necessarily stop you from cycling. With the correct information, you can continue cycling during wet and rainy seasons.
Precautions for Bicycle Maintenance during Rainy Season
1. Regularly clean the bicycle
Water, oil, and other substances on the road can leave serious residues on bicycle frames and components. Regularly wipe the bicycle to prevent residue from accumulating and affecting riding.
2. Pay special attention to your chain
Your chain will quickly get dirty in the rain. Use degreaser to remove excess dirt and apply a few drops of lubricant, giving it some extra care. This can greatly extend the lifespan of the chain.
3. Check the brake pads
Modern disc brakes are excellent because they provide more stable all-weather braking performance compared to wheel brakes. Therefore, in humid weather, bicycles equipped with hydraulic disc brakes are more convenient than cable driven braking systems.
That being said, disc brake pads are bound to wear out, especially in hilly and humid weather conditions, so they need to be checked regularly. Checking for signs of wear and tear once a week during rainy seasons is not a bad idea.
Ultimately, the brake discs will wear out and the hydraulic system will need to be flushed – but this is more like an annual maintenance job.
4. Keep the tires free of debris
Rainwater washes various debris into the road. Wet tires often stick small debris (such as broken glass fragments), which eventually pass through the tire and pierce the inner tube.
Many DCCED electric bicycle tires have additional puncture barriers, but even the best tires can be damaged by rain debris. Even under ideal conditions, regular tire checks are a good idea, especially when the outside becomes damp and dirty.
If you find any debris in the tire, use a small toothpick or other pointed object to remove these embedded items before piercing the inner tube.
5. Pay attention to the battery storage temperature
If you have an electric bicycle, there is one more thing to pay attention to. In terms of electrical systems, extreme cold is the true enemy of batteries. The humid weather itself should not cause any problems. But please note that if the temperature drops sharply, you may experience a decrease in battery range – it is best to keep it indoors when not in use.
What to Wear
6. Make yourself more eye-catching
Drivers’ visibility may decrease on rainy days. If possible, try to make sure the driver can see you.
7. Find suitable and comfortable clothes
There is a saying among Scandinavians: there is no bad weather, only bad clothes (equipment).
You need to try to find a method that suits you, but our top recommendation is to wear a good hat with a brim under the helmet to prevent rainwater from falling from your face. Without this, your visibility would be compromised (especially if you wear glasses – imagine your car’s windshield without wipers).
Other essential items include waterproof and breathable jackets and pants, as well as neoprene shoe covers to keep feet warm and dry. You may also want to buy a waterproof bag to store your equipment.
Adjust Your Cycling Style
8. Slow cycling
Don’t worry! Budget extra time to achieve the safest riding.
9. Reduce tire pressure
This will slow you down a bit, but provide better grip.
10. Be careful of slippery ground
Always remember that any road surface you ride on may be smoother than you expect.
That being said, please pay attention to known hazardous areas such as metal sewer covers in the middle of the road, metal grilles on curbstones, and paint stripes at intersections. These will become very slippery in the rain, causing you to fall before you react.
Last but not least:
11. Enjoy your cycling time!
At first, it’s not always easy, but after the first few pedal rotations, all the anxiety will disappear! Please pay attention to safety and happy cycling.
